Analysis and methods of prevention of cranial nerves injury during carotid endarterectomy

Abstract

Aim. CEAE is an effective method of ischemic stroke prevention. However, as any invasive treatment method, CEAE is associated with a risk of complications in the early and late postoperative periods. One of the possible complications is intraoperative injury of cranial nerves.Material and Methods. From 2008 to 2014 in the department of vascular surgery in Pletnev City Hospital in Moscow, 172 patients with hemodynamically significant ICA stenosis who suffered ischemic stroke or TIA underwent surgery.Results. In the early postoperative period, 7 episodes of cranial nerve injury (4.0%) were detected. The following cranial nerves were most often damaged during surgery: the terminal branches of the facial nerve (VII), the hypoglossus nerve (XII), the glossopharyngeal nerve (IX), and the vagus nerve (X). Injuries were associated with coagulation damage or compression of nerves. In one case, the intersection of the hypoglossus nerve was recorded. In all cases except this one, nerve damage was reversible.Conclusion. It is impossible to avoid cranial nerves injury during carotid endarterectomy. However, the number of such complications can be reduced by the measures described in this article.

Keywords

• сarotid endarterectomy
• cranial nerves
• injuries